From roller backpacks to rolling in homework, high school is a period of time for teens to find themselves. With summer coming to a close, and a surplus of “back to school” sales, the upcoming school year brings both the feeling of excitement and dread (depending on which grade you are entering).
For example, Grade 8 Trey Taylor will be attending McMath secondary come fall. When asked what going back to school meant to him, this charismatic long boarder described the social opportunities associated with high school.
“I’m excited to meet new friends and to annoy my brother’s friends cause that’s a hobby of mine,” said Trey. “[I’m] also excited for 7-11 with the boys… and the girls if they want to come as well!”
While Trey’s high school career is just beginning, “back to school” means a final goodbye for seniors Jessica Zawada and Montana Leonard. The two friends have been incredibly involved at McMath, especially in leadership and athletics.
“I am really excited about all the grad events and getting closer with my grad class,” explained Jessica. “Most of all, I am super excited, but sad to play my final year of high school basketball as a wildcat.”
As for Montana, her future is set and she’s looking forward to savouring her last year.
“In May, I signed with the University of Calgary to play soccer for their varsity team after I graduate,” stated Montana. “I’m super excited to join a new team and have a chance to help them win a national championship!”
On the other hand, recent graduates Cody Preston and Noelle Ho will be pursuing their passions in post secondary at Capilano University and FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York, respectively.
For Cody, high school wasn’t the end of his stress. The 18-year-old filmmaker plans on moving out and paying for the majority of his tuition, which means a lot of work in the future.
“My clothing company, The Essentials, is going to help fund my schooling,” stated Cody. “I work on a construction site at the moment and will continue the work throughout the year.” (If you would like to learn more about The Essentials, make sure to e-mail Cody at [email protected]).
So, whether you’re walking the hallways of high school for the first time, or closing those doors forever, all would agree that “back to school” means “back to work.” While I’m not the one to give future highschoolers advice, my friend, Noelle Ho, summed it up perfectly.
“High school was a time for me to find out where my niche was. During this time, everything was always changing. Your interests may change, but you also find what your passions are,” she said.
“Most of all, you will look back and notice how much you have matured since you first started. I feel that high school is a time where inconsistency is definitely okay, because it is part of the process that helps you discover who you are and it helps you prepare for the real world.”
